MURPHY’S Law tells us that “if something can go wrong, it WILL!” I was reminded of this over the past few days when I read the superb pieces on political corruption in The National by Michael Fry and Kevin McKenna. I think I would now like to paraphrase Mr Murphy to say: “If it is possible within our culture and legal system for political funds to be boosted by those who seek special favours from a political party or parties, then those favours WILL be sought and granted”.
Does anyone really think that political “donations” are given to one or other political parties by those who wish to enhance the democratic process? I would suggest they are almost always given because some (or a lot of) payback is expected if/when that party is electorally successful. Blatant examples abound in the recent shenanigans of the Westminster government (think for example of PPE and “world-beating” Test & Trace systems) when lucrative contracts are given out freely to mates and party donors.
READ MORE: Kevin McKenna: This rottenness at UK’s core is salutary reminder of why Scotland needs out
Also – and I speak here as one who throughout his working life was an enthusiastic trade union member – trade union political donations are given by those who expect supportive policies to be put in place if their party gains power.
My solution is notionally simple – stop all significant political donations and fund parties from the public purse.
I can almost hear howls of derision when I say this: “why should political parties get a share of my taxes when they can seek funding from private individuals and companies, and therefore cost me nothing?”
READ MORE: Michael Fry: The best way to stop corruption in the state? Don’t give them power
My point, however, is that these groups fund political parties because they want to create conditions where they can have us buy more of their goods or services. A relatively small proportion of the enhanced profits or income is given as “donation”, and although we as individuals might see few benefits, WE are the source of these donations just as we would be if our taxes paid for the political process. If, however, this latter strategy was employed, the temptation for corrupt decision-making would be much reduced and politicians would be freed to work according to their principles rather than the wishes of the moneyed and powerful.
Alex Leggatt
Edinburgh
I HAE juist gotten ae Tory leaflet wi ma post wi pikturs o Ross an Baroness Britania an aa it says is “Stop independence, rebuild Scotland”. Noo thare’s ae contradiction gin iver I seen ane.
Twa craturs faa wuid craa throu sewars tae lick pairts o Boris’s anatomy gaein tae rebigg ae Scotland! Foo thay wull dae this, weel thay dinnae say, foo can thay gin thay haenae been telt, fur it’s nae pairt o Tory heich command policy. Syne thay hae trei wee public skule bairns echoin thair peers sayin, weel the sem thing.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf mocks Jackson Carlaw over Holyrood 2021 campaign ad
But I wunner gin we’re gaein fur independence the rang wey. Shuid we no play on England’s fears an mischauncie notions o thirsels?
First wunner fit wey thay dinnae ditch us, syne thay cuid hae £300 million extra fur thair NHS. That haes a certain ring til it.
Seicont, speir fit wey are thay feart tae staun on thair ain twa fit? Are thay feart thay cuidnae manage waeoot eiducated Scots tae run thair businesses, that waeoot Scottish diplomats thay wuid be lost in the wurld, an waeoot the likes Gove, Broun, Blair an siclike billies, thay cuidnae run thair ain kintra?
We shuid turn ilka little Englander tae want tae get rid o Scotland an the Forages wull surely follae.
George T Watt
Arbroath
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel